Dalit rights forum announces protest over ‘rise’ in atrocities across Haryana
The Dalit Adhikar Manch has announced a statewide protest in Haryana against the alleged rise in crimes against Dalits, social discrimination and what it termed government neglect. At a state-level meeting, the organisation decided to hold protests in all districts between July 20 and July 30. During the agitation, memorandums addressed to the CM will be submitted through the respective Deputy Commissioners. Dalit Adhikar Manch convener Ramkumar Bahbalpuria on Saturday alleged that the Dalits were facing increasing social, economic, political and caste-based discrimination under the present government. He claimed that several incidents of atrocities against the Dalits had been reported across the state over the past three months. Bahbalpuria also alleged an increase in cases of harassment and gang rape involving Dalit women and minor girls, claiming that victims were not receiving justice. He further alleged that attempts were being made in some areas to evict Dalit settlements to benefit land mafias. The body also expressed concern over the alleged reduction in and irregularities in scholarships for the Dalit students. It criticised the reported reduction in ration for pink ration card holders following changes to the Food Security Act and the discontinuation of mustard oil supply. Bahbalpuria said after the July protests, the organisation would launch a signature campaign in the Dalit colonies across the state in September and October. A detailed memorandum highlighting its demands will then be sent to the President during the Winter Session of Parliament. Anil Kakkar Courtesy : The Tribune Note: This news is originally published on https:/thetribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chandru panel’s reforms to curb casteism in TN schools yet to be fully implemented
The latest incident of assault on a differently-abled Dalit student has led to renewed calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Justice Chandru panel’s recommendations More than two years after retired Madras High Court judge Justice K Chandru submitted a comprehensive roadmap to address caste discrimination in schools, Tamil Nadu has implemented only a part of the recommendations. While the state government cites progress, Justice Chandru says many of the report’s most significant reforms remain unfulfilled, leaving schools vulnerable to recurring tensions. The latest incident of assault on a differently-abled Dalit student by his schoolmates inside a government higher secondary school at Mallal in Sivaganga district on June 14, once again brought the issue into sharp focus. Although the caste angle behind the attack is yet to be established, the fracas renewed calls for the comprehensive implementation of the Justice Chandru panel’s recommendations. Why was the panel constituted? The Chandru committee’s recommendations extend well beyond preventing caste-based clashes on school campuses. They outline a comprehensive framework to foster equality, social justice and a more harmonious atmosphere in educational institutions by addressing the structural and social factors that contribute to discrimination. Constituted in August 2023 after two Dalit siblings were brutally assaulted by their relatively upper-caste classmates in Tirunelveli, the Chandru committee submitted a comprehensive 680-page report. Justice Chandru visited several districts, meeting teachers, educationists and students, including those who were attacked, before finalising his recommendations. The report proposed a multifaceted approach to address the deep-rooted problem. What are the hits and misses? Though the DMK government never announced which of Justice K Chandru’s recommendations had been accepted or rejected, it implemented some of the suggestions. For example, on June 25, 2024, a Government Order was issued directing the removal of caste prefixes and suffixes from school names, one of the suggestions of the panel. The move was subsequently reinforced by the Madras High Court, which directed that no school or college in Tamil Nadu should carry a caste appellation from the 2025-26 academic year. The court specifically ordered the renaming of government-run Kallar Reclamation Schools and Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools. In a subsequent order, it fixed the 2026-27 academic year as the deadline for removing caste names from all educational institutions. However, the recommendation to bring all government schools under the umbrella of the School Education Department, though announced as a policy decision in the assembly, has not been implemented. What are the steps taken by the School Education Department? The School Education Department also issued detailed guidelines to curb recurring incidents of caste-based violence in schools. These included constituting district-level monitoring committees comprising the Chief Educational Officer (CEO), District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) and Superintendent of Police (SP). However, in many districts, these committees have remained largely inactive. The department also advised schools to prohibit students from wearing coloured wristbands or using bicycles with colours that may signify caste identity. Students displaying caste pride are to be counselled sensitively, while the use of mobile phones by students on school campuses has been ordered to be strictly prohibited. Orders have also been issued to transfer teachers found promoting caste or communal sentiments, install grievance boxes in schools, and conduct value education classes, all of which were recommended by the panel. In another reform, all 2,739 government hostels run by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department and the Backward Classes Welfare Department have been renamed Social Justice Hostels. What was the political reaction? However, the state BJP opposed the recommendations of the Chandru committee. The then state president of the BJP, K Annamalai, had argued that it would be counterproductive, adding the dominance of caste differences in schools would increase over the next five years. He suggested that the government factor in the views of all sections, and form a task force to implement the recommendations. On the contrary, the Dravidar Kazhagam, CPI, CPM, VCK, MDMK, and activists for human rights and anti-caste campaigners, welcomed the recommendations on the removal of caste names from schools, banning caste-identifying wristbands and symbols, periodic transfer of teachers, adopting a code of conduct for teachers, and creating institutional mechanisms to monitor caste discrimination. Why did the DMK government not implement it? Asked which of his recommendations needs to be implemented immediately, Justice Chandru said, “Implementation of my recommendations earlier was cosmetic, not substantive. After the submission of my report, the DMK government was in power for two years. Yet, they did not spell out their stand. They did not explain whether they would implement the report in full or issue an order stating which of the suggestions were acceptable. Except for a few like the removal of caste names from the schools, most of my recommendations remain pending.” Justice Chandru said recommendations like orientation programmes for teachers, revising the syllabus for teacher training, and recruiting teachers, should be implemented at the district level and not at the state level. The recommendation on non-posting of headmasters, CEOs, DEOs, and BEOs belonging to the dominant caste of that area in high schools and higher secondary schools is still awaiting implementation. Since his report was recommendatory, it was not placed before the assembly. As a result, the previous regime chose not to take a position on it, he said. What is the TVK’s take on it? As for the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the state, even before coming to power, its functionaries had questioned as to why the DMK government hadn’t implemented the report in full. After wresting power, School Education Minister A Rajmohan went on record saying his government will implement the panel’s report. “So, the present government should take steps to implement both short-term and long-term recommendations. The state government can make a strong statement on implementing them in stages and start discussions with the stakeholders, which can be a good starting point,” Justice Chandru suggested.The report had also recommended holding students’ union election, conducting orientation programmes for the students at the beginning of their academic year, conducting ethics classes, teaching social
Ram Temple offering theft case: Rahul Gandhi and Kharge write to PM Modi, making three major demands
Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the issue of theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. They demanded immediate action and named the RSS and VHP. They said that devotees feel cheated and PM Modi should break his silence on this matter. PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party national president Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the theft at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. In this letter, they have made three major demands and have strongly criticized the Modi government. The letter also names the RSS and VHP. They have demanded immediate action in this matter and have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence. They said that millions of devotees across the country feel cheated by this theft. Read the full letter from Rahul and Kharge The two leaders made three demands, writing, “Prime Minister, you are aware of the theft of thousands of crores of rupees from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Millions of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion, and trust feel betrayed by this theft. You announced the formation of the Trust in Parliament on the instructions of the Supreme Court of India, but its members were appointed entirely by your government. It is well known that the Trust’s members are associated with the RSS, VHP, and their affiliated organizations. Its disgraced former General Secretary was also a close associate of yours. Your silence in the face of such a crime is unacceptable. It is your duty to establish accountability and ensure reparations. Please address this issue as soon as possible.” Rahul and Kharge’s Three Demands We urge you to immediately order an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Trust’s financial affairs, including the management of all offerings, including cash, gold, and silver. The investigation results and the trust’s accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings were used. Those found responsible should be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence. Curated by: Sanjeev Kumar About the Author Sanjeev Kumar (Senior Digital Content Producer) Sanjeev Kumar currently serves as Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times. He joined Navbharat Times, the digital wing of the Times of India Group, in May 2025. He has six years of experience working on the online news desk in journalism. Courtesy: Hindi News
Khera says Indira, Manmohan engaged protesters, accuses Centre of ‘indifference’ to Wangchuk
Khera’s visit came a day after former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav met Wangchuk and other protesters at the protest site. Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, during a protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 17, 2026. Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 20 days, during a protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 17, 2026.Photo |PTI Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday met climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and urged him to end his indefinite hunger strike, citing concerns over his deteriorating health, while accusing the Centre of refusing to engage with demands for education reforms. Wangchuk has been on a fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy. After meeting Wangchuk and the protesters, Khera said peaceful protest was a constitutional right and that it was the responsibility of any democratic government to engage with citizens who resort to fasting to make their voices heard. “In a democracy, peaceful protest is a constitutional right. When citizens undertake a fast to be heard, the duty of the government is to listen — not look away. That is Raj Dharma,” Khera said in a post on X. The Congress leader contrasted the Centre’s response with that of previous governments, saying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2011 had engaged with protesters despite differences. “That is what Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji did in 1984. That is what Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government did in 2011. They understood that a government’s first responsibility is engagement, even in disagreement,” he said. Khera alleged that the present government had chosen “indifference” towards demands for education reforms raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the protesters at Jantar Mantar. “This government, however, has chosen indifference. It has refused to engage with the demand for education reforms — whether raised by Shri Rahul Gandhi and the NSUI and IYC workers across the country or the protesters at Jantar Mantar. Such indifference is not merely arrogant; it is callous and wholly unworthy of a democracy,” he said. Appealing to Wangchuk to call off the fast, Khera said preserving the movement’s leadership was more important than continuing the hunger strike. “Today, on behalf of the Congress Party, I met Shri Sonam Wangchuk and the protesters at Jantar Mantar, and urged them to end their fast in light of their deteriorating health. A movement is not strengthened by losing its people. We live to fight another day,” he said. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, one of the protest organisers, thanked Khera for extending solidarity. “I thank Congress MP @Pawankhera ji for visiting Jantar Mantar, expressing his solidarity, and checking on Sonam sir’s health. Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign,” he said in a post on X. Doctors monitoring Wangchuk said his health continued to be under close observation on the 20th day of his hunger strike. According to medical parameters recorded at 9.30 am on Friday, Wangchuk weighed 56.55 kg, having lost 350 grams in the previous 24 hours. His blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate 72 beats per minute. Doctors noted mild dehydration. Dr Satish Lamba said Wangchuk had progressed to a stage where organ involvement was possible because of prolonged fasting. “…It is the 20th day of the hunger strike… The person’s weight is 56.55 kg, a reduction of 350 grams over the last 24 hours… Hydration is fair, with mild dehydration observed… The initial stage involved fat loss, followed by muscle loss and the formation of ketone bodies in urine. Now, at this third stage, organ involvement is possible. The medical team is maintaining 24-hour vigilance and continuous monitoring,” he told reporters. Khera’s visit comes a day after former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav met Wangchuk and expressed solidarity with the protesters. Kejriwal backed the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, proposed Wangchuk’s name as the next Union Education Minister, and urged the Centre to address the protesters’ demands. He also warned that the NDA government could face the same electoral consequences as the UPA II government in 2014 if it ignored public concerns. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to clinically monitor Wangchuk’s health on a daily basis and ensure that any medical intervention recommended by government doctors is provided. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the directions while disposing of a PIL filed by Rakesh Kumar Sahni, who sought the court’s intervention over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health. The Bench observed that “the life of every citizen is precious and all efforts ought to be made by the government authorities to save the same.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi government, informed the court that government doctors were already conducting regular examinations and monitoring Wangchuk’s medical parameters daily. Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over nationwide examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Delhi Police arrests illegal Bangladeshi national, disguised as transgender, for illegal activities
In a major action, Delhi Police has arrested an illegal Bangladeshi national. He was living in India illegally and posing as a transgender woman to carry out illegal activities. Delhi Police arrests illegal Bangladeshi national, Image Source: ANI Delhi Police has arrested a 24-year-old Bangladeshi national who was living in India illegally and posing as a transgender woman to carry out illegal activities. The Foreigners Cell of the North-West District arrested Mohammad Abdul Aleem (also known as Preeti) near the NS Mandi in the Mahendra Park police station area of Jahangirpuri in the early morning hours of July 14, 2026. Acting on information, a police team apprehended the suspect, who was roaming suspiciously in the area. Several things revealed during interrogation During interrogation, Aleem could not produce any valid Indian travel or identity documents. Further investigation and questioning confirmed that he was a Bangladeshi citizen from Mokapur village in Khulna district. He admitted that he had undergone gender-affirming surgery and often disguised himself as a woman by wearing makeup, saris, salwar-suits, wigs, and adopting feminine mannerisms. He reportedly used this disguise primarily for illegal activities at night. Several things recovered Police also recovered a smartphone from Aleem, which contained the banned IMO app, and the phone’s gallery contained photos of his Bangladeshi national identity documents. The operation was conducted by a team led by SI Sapan, under the supervision of ACP Ranjit Dhaka, Inspector Vipin Kumar, and the supervision of ACP Sapan. Alim was produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and deportation proceedings have been initiated against him as per the law. This arrest is part of the Delhi Police’s ongoing campaign against illegal immigration in the national capital. Seven illegal Bangladeshis were also arrested last year. Earlier last year, on July 1, 2025, Delhi Police arrested seven illegal Bangladeshi nationals, including five transgender people, from the city’s Shalimar Bagh area. According to the police, three smartphones were recovered from them. Police also said that an app banned in India was found on these mobile phones, through which these people used to communicate with their families in Bangladesh. Police also said that a deported Bangladeshi national who had entered India illegally for the second time was arrested again. Written By: Ritu Raj Courtesy: Hindi News
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘7.5 crore students affected in 10 years’: Rahul Gandhi calls paper leaks the ‘norm’ at Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Dehradun
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said India’s education system has reached a stage where paper leaks have become “the norm”, alleging that the issue affects millions of students and requires a political consensus to resolve. Addressing a student outreach programme, “Chhatron Ki Goonj,” in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, he clarified that the event was not a political meeting but focused on the concerns, struggles and future of the youth. “This is not a political meet; it’s about youth, their future, struggles and difficulties,” PTI quoted the Lok Sabha leader of opposition as saying. The Raebareli MP further said that more than 7.5 crore students had been affected by paper leaks over the past 10 years, with 152 cases reported but no convictions recorded. “From top to bottom, the entire education system is involved in paper leaks,” he claimed, adding that “advanced technology” was being used to carry out such frauds. “If you have crores, you can select from a menu card of paper leaks,” the Congress leader stated. Rahul Gandhi also called for a political consensus to end paper leaks, stressing that all parties must implement measures to protect students. “There can be political consensus on ending paper leaks which everyone must implement,” he added. Calling for reforms in the examination system, he argued that the existing model was “outdated” and needed to evolve. “The current exam testing system is of the 19th century; we must evolve a 21st-century system,” the asserted. He proposed shifting from a government-centric to a student-centric examination framework, with secure question banks and randomised question papers to prevent leaks. “Today’s exam system is government-centric; we want a student-centric system,” he maintained. Rahul Gandhi also demanded protection and compensation for students affected by paper leaks, along with immediate re-examinations for those impacted by compromised tests. On educational institutions, he argued that political organisations should not control campuses and that vice-chancellors should not be appointed from a single organisation. “No political party or organisation should have a hold on any educational institution; VCs shouldn’t be from one organisation,” Rahul Gandhi stated. He further claimed that the current system benefits a small section while harming honest students. “One per cent uses the system, follows the path of paper leaks and hurts the 99 per cent others who are honest and poor,” he concluded. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cong netas’ comments keep speculation about alliance with SP alive
Lucknow: Even as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav appear aligned on fighting the BJP together in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, repeated comments by a section of Congress leaders have kept speculation alive about the future of the alliance. Over the past three months, at least three episodes involving Congress functionaries have reignited debate over the SP-Congress relationship, prompting political observers to question whether the state Congress is deliberately keeping the issue alive as part of a negotiating strategy or for other political considerations. The developments come despite Akhilesh reportedly directing SP functionaries not to make loose statements on the alliance. Political analysts say such public sparring risks projecting an image of a divided opposition. “This may not sit well with voters who backed the INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the alliance won 43 seats in Uttar Pradesh and restricted the BJP-led NDA to 36,” said a political commentator. “At the same time, it is difficult to believe state-level Congress leaders would repeatedly make such statements without approval from the party’s central leadership.” Senior SP functionaries see a pattern in the recent remarks. According to them, some Congress functionaries appear keen on generating headlines, even if it contradicts Rahul Gandhi’s publicly articulated position on opposition unity. They argue that recurring media reports suggesting friction between the two parties only benefit their political rival, the BJP. Rahul’s July 1 birthday greeting to Akhilesh on social media had briefly quelled speculation. “With the participation of PDA, we will together fulfil the resolve for social justice,” he wrote. However, the debate resurfaced on July 13 when Congress MP from Saharanpur Imran Masood suggested that any future alliance in UP should be based on a 50-50 seat-sharing arrangement. He also argued that the SP stood to gain more from the alliance than the Congress, citing the SP’s tally of 37 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. The latest controversy is not the first sign of divergence between Congress’s central and state-level functionaries. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav finalised a seat-sharing arrangement under which Congress contested 17 seats. Subsequently, Congress sought the inclusion of Shravasti as an 18th seat, a demand the SP rejected. The matter was settled only after senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik announced that the 17-seat formula was final. The SP went on to field Ram Shiromani Verma from Shravasti, who defeated BJP candidate Saket Misra. Another flashpoint emerged on May 20 this year when Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia and Congress Scheduled Caste wing chief Rajendra Pal Gautam tried to pay visit BSP chief Mayawati at her Lucknow residence. It came while Rahul Gandhi was in Amethi and reportedly prompted the Congress leadership to seek an explanation from the two leaders. Weeks later, Gautam was appointed the party’s Uttar Pradesh in charge. Tensions escalated further in June after Masood questioned the SP’s leadership structure, Muslim representation and future seat-sharing plans. The SP responded by urging the Congress high command to rein in the MP. While SP functionaries declined to comment officially on Masood’s latest remarks, they rejected his assertion that the SP was more dependent on the alliance. One party functionary pointed out that the idea of the INDIA bloc was floated by Rahul Gandhi and that Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was sent to persuade Akhilesh to join the grouping. Responding to Masood’s allegation that the SP remains silent on Muslim concerns, the SP camp noted that the party had four Muslim MPs among its 37 Lok Sabha members and 32 Muslim MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh assembly. “They could not have been elected from Muslim-dominated constituencies if voters believed the party did not represent their concerns,” a functionary said. SP functionaries also disputed Masood’s contention that the alliance benefits the SP more because Congress is a national party. They pointed to Congress’s defeats in Punjab (2022) and Haryana (2024), where it contested without significant alliance support, and argued that electoral data from other states does not support such claims. For now, despite periodic flashes of discord, the Congress and SP leaderships continue to signal commitment to opposition unity. Whether the public messaging from sections of the Congress reflects negotiation tactics or deeper unease within the alliance remains an open question as both parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 battle in UP. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CM Yogi sends min to defuse outrage over Dalit student murder in Meerut, orders wider probe into police role
Meerut: Days after the alleged police crackdown on Dalit protesters in Meerut snowballed into a major political flashpoint, the Yogi Adityanath govt has moved to contain the fallout by deputing Asim Arun, minister in charge of Meerut, former IPS officer and a prominent Dalit face in the BJP, “to personally intervene“ in the case. The controversy erupted after videos surfaced showing Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey allegedly assaulting Dalit protesters and a lawyer inside a police vehicle during demonstrations over the murder of a 20-year-old Dalit college student. The visuals triggered sharp opposition criticism, with rival parties accusing the govt of suppressing protests over the killing. After meeting the victim’s family, Arun sought to reassure them of a fair investigation. “I discussed their demands in detail. I am confident the probe will be impartial and the family will be satisfied with the outcome,” he said on Friday. Arun said CM Yogi had “personally“ directed him to visit Meerut and expedite action. “The CM has taken the matter very seriously and asked me to come to Meerut immediately. I met the family and officials concerned. I am confident the investigation will deliver the outcome the aggrieved family expects,” he said. He added that the inquiry would not be confined to the murder accused but would also scrutinise conduct of police. “If negligence or accountability is established at any level during the investigation, action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law,” he said. Arun confirmed that Brahmpuri circle officer Saumya Asthana had been transferred after the family expressed a lack of confidence in the investigation. He said DIG, Meerut rRange, had also ordered a departmental inquiry to examine why no effective action was taken during the 50 days between the student’s disappearance and the July 8 protests. “Appropriate action will follow based on the findings,” he said. The minister confirmed that a PAC constable, who is related to the main accused, has been suspended, arrested and sent to jail for his alleged involvement in the case. The main accused Ankush Kumar was already arrested and another accused Ankit is also behind bars. Responding to questions about the police’s use of force against protesters, Arun said, “Everything is under scrutiny. The police must also act with sensitivity so that situations do not escalate to a flashpoint.” The minister further announced an inquiry into circumstances under which an FIR was registered against Dalit protesters after police dispersed the July 8 demonstration by force and arrested eight protesters, who were later sent to jail. The victim, a 20-year-old BA final-year student, had gone missing on May 15 after leaving home to appear for an examination. Her body was later recovered from a sugarcane field. Police arrested her alleged boyfriend, Ankush Kumar, claiming he killed her following an argument. However, the family has consistently questioned the local police investigation, alleging serious lapses and demanding a comprehensive, impartial probe. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
No role in IPS postings, dalit representation in cabinet: Thiruma
Madurai: A false narrative was being built that VCK influenced IPS postings and dalit representations in cabinet, with the aim of portraying the govt as acting at his behest, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said at a news meet in Madurai on Friday. Terming it “100% false,” he said TVK appointed only six scheduled caste ministers, while two others were selected separately by the Congress and VCK as coalition partners. Thirumavalavan said even these appointments were being used to ask whether TVK was “a party serving a particular caste” or giving importance to one community. He denied having any role in appointments, including that of a police officer, and asked why the officer was later removed if the claim was true. He said an OBC-versus-dalit narrative was being circulated to turn other communities against the govt. He asked why DMK and AIADMK had not been questioned for failing to provide scheduled caste communities cabinet representation based on their population, while traditionally limiting posts to representatives from three communities. Thirumavalavan said VCK had sustained itself in electoral politics for 25 years while several movements that began during the same period had lost momentum. He said the Aug 17 Tamil National Awakening Conference would focus on state autonomy and abolition of caste. Asked by reporters about TVK being cordial with PMK, Thirumavalavan said there was nothing wrong with maintaining cordial personal relations. “There is a good understanding between TVK and VCK. There is no gap between us,” he said. On an Ambedkar statue kept unopened for years at Pudaiyur near Gangavalli in Salem district, he asked the govt to simplify permission procedures, empower collectors to grant approvals, remove iron cages around Ambedkar statues and quash cases filed against those who protested demanding the statue. He also condemned the late-night questioning of journalist Vijayan, saying authorities must not intimidate journalists, and urged the chief minister to consider a CBI investigation sought by the family in the Sabari custodial death case in Kanyakumari. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights